What are the leading causes of premature failure of all toilet tank fittings and what are the implications? Last Update: Sep 03, 2002

Tank bowl cleaners commonly used in tanks to sanitize toilets do considerable harm to many tank fittings, most noticably to tank balls and flappers. Those tablets and liquids that contain sodium hypochlorite or chlorine bleach are particularly damaging to all rubber goods and many plastic components. Bowl cleaners used in toilets that are flushed infrequently (or left for prolonged periods, such as in vacation homes) can be especially damaging due to the high chemical concentrations reached. Chlorine and chlorine-related compounds in some public water supplies can also drastically shorten the life expectancy of tank fittings. Public and private water supplies that contain debris (e.g. sand & grit particles), excessive amounts of dissolved minerals, and with pH levels beyond normal/neutral range can also cause premature failure of fill valves. High water pressure can also cause premature failure, especially among fill valves that employ delicate diaphragms as the sealing member.